If you live in the Denver Metro area, it’s no surprise that the construction industry is booming. Take a quick scan of the city skyline and you’ll count a handful of cranes on any given day.

What’s less apparent, however, is that many Colorado construction companies are desperately struggling to find workers. In fact, a recent survey of industry professionals shows that 56 percent of Colorado construction firms list worker shortages at the top of the list of concerns.

The skilled labor shortage is not unique to the construction industry. It’s an issue that affects nearly all —86 percent, to be exact—of Colorado employers. As a state, we know we need to do a better job of preparing Colorado students for their next step after high school, whether that is a certification program or college.